Nutritional Management Of Underweight Kids

Following are certain ways in which you can nutritionally manage underweight kids.

Having a Healthy and Balanced Diet

Just because your child is underweight, it does not mean that you give him junk food as junk food does not contain nutrients as compared to a healthy and a balanced diet. Rather than just having three main meals, give your kid healthy snacks too in the middle. Remember to not give your child aerated drinks as they are very high in sugar as well as empty calories which will definitely not lead to the growth and development of your child.

Good Source of Proteins

Good sources of proteins include milk and milk products, chicken and fish which help with muscle development. Proteins are also essential for the function of certain enzymes in the body. Hence, see to it that the diet of your underweight child contains good sources of protein.

Iron Rich Sources

Has your child often complained of feeling sleepy or lethargic for no reason? When your child is underweight due to lack of certain nutrients such as iron, your child might experience symptoms of anemia. The best way to improve this is to supply your kid with essential sources of iron like garden cress seeds, flaxseeds, chicken and liver. Green leafy vegetables like spinach are also a very good source of iron. It can be incorporated in the diet of your child in the form of cutlets which are baked rather than deep fried.

Carbohydrate Sources

Good sources of carbohydrates like brown rice and red rice would additionally provide your child with essential B complex vitamins necessary as an essential source of energy.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are obtained from various kinds of foods like fruits and vegetables as well as non-vegetarian foods. Deficiency of certain vitamins like vitamin A could lead to symptoms of night-blindness in your child. Deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine) could lead to beriberi in your child. Hence it is very essential to provide your underweight kid with a balanced diet so that they get all the essential nutrients necessary for the growth and development.

Always remember not to force feed your child but feed them in a calm environment so that they do not feel pressurized.

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